This Week in Astrology: May 10 to 16, 2020

This Week in Astrology: May 10 to 16, 2020

 

May 10 to 16, 2020

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On this Page:

This week’s Moon
phase
Planets in signs and aspect
Retrogrades
This week’s astrology calendar
Timing with the Moon
Romance & Relationship Report
Daily Trends

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The LAST QUARTER MOON occurs on Thursday, May 14, 2020, at 10:03 AM EDT.

On Thursday morning, the Sun in Taurus forms a square with the Moon in Aquarius. This Last Quarter Moon phase points to a small crisis of consciousness. After basking in the awareness symbolized by the full light of the Moon at the time of last week’s Full Moon, we arrive at a point where we need to sort out what works for us–and what doesn’t–in preparation for next week’s New Moon, when something new is born once again.

This is not the best time to start a major project, as the decreasing light of the Moon symbolizes a descent into unconsciousness. It’s time to begin finishing up the details of that which was conceived at the last New Moon. It’s a time to consider our revelations, what they mean to us, and what can be done.

This phase of the Moon occurs at 24 degrees and 14 minutes of Aquarius square the Sun at 24 degrees and 14 minutes of Taurus, affecting people born with personal planets and points at approximately 22 to 26 degrees of the Fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius) most significantly.

 

(Times are Eastern)

This week: The Sun is in Taurus; Mercury is in Taurus until the 11th, when Mercury enters Gemini; Venus is in Gemini; Mars is in Aquarius until the 13th, when Mars enters Pisces.

The Sun is in Taurus from April 19-May 20. In Taurus, the Sun is methodical, sensual, and receptive. The Sun in Taurus is most active when it is defending or resisting things! As the Sun moves through Taurus when plants take root, our determination and security needs are strong. Taurus is loyal to all that is familiar, and values longevity. The shadow side of Taurus is possessiveness and bullheadedness.

Mercury is in Taurus from April 27-May 11. When Mercury is in Taurus, our thinking is down to earth, solid, and grounded. Common sense reigns over more fanciful thinking. We communicate more deliberately under this influence, and our minds are oriented to the world of the five senses. We prefer the tried and true rather than new ways of thinking. Attention to one thing at a time can simplify our lives, but we may be in danger of narrow, overly conservative, or rigid thinking.

Mercury is in Gemini from May 11-28. When Mercury is in Gemini, we are especially communicative, curious, and sociable. Mercury feels right at home in Gemini, one of the signs that it rules. We tend to take more pleasure in gaining a superficial knowledge of many subjects rather than dig deep into any one topic. We are especially astute when it comes to arguing or making a point. We are attracted to wordplays, puns, and negotiations. We are easily distracted.

Venus is in Gemini from April 3-August 7. In Gemini, we have a finger in every pie. Curiosity motivates us on romantic and social levels. “Variety is the spice of life” is the attitude now. We are sociable, communicative, and interested. We can be animated and fun but may also keep our distance on an emotional level. Attractions now may begin with words, as we tend to bond more readily on a mental level with Venus in Gemini. The shadow side of Gemini is fickleness.

Mars is in Aquarius from March 30-May 13. Dynamic yet erratic energy levels, achieving our goals through hit or miss tactics, and impersonal expression of anger are characteristics of Mars in Aquarius. We are team players–cooperative and less concerned about personal power. We are attracted to unconventional methods, and tend to approach problems from an intellectual, detached perspective.

Mars is in Pisces from May 13-June 27. We tend to feel less motivated to go after traditional goals, and more motivated to pursue spiritual or emotional drives during this cycle. We dislike confrontation during this trend. Our output is variable rather than straightforward, and our energy is similarly up and down. We may put others’ needs ahead of our own, and our more idealistic side comes to the fore. During this cycle, going after what we want becomes less straightforward and more complicated!

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Jupiter entered Capricorn on December 2nd, 2019, and will transit the sign until December 19th, 2020. Read more about the Jupiter in Capricorn transit.

In 2020, Saturn divides its time between the signs of Capricorn and Aquarius. Saturn transits Capricorn until March 21, 2020; and then finishes up its transit from July 1 to December 17, 2020. Read about Saturn’s transit through Capricorn here. Saturn transits Aquarius from March 21 to July, 1, 2020, and then later, from December 17, 2020, to March 7, 2023.

Uranus is in Taurus. Uranus first transited Taurus from May 15, 2018, to November 6, 2018, and is consistently in the sign (since March 6th, 2019) until 2025/6. We approach money and personal possessions in new ways and learn how to free ourselves from certain material constraints. Innovative ways to make ourselves comfortable emerge. We’re less inhibited about expressing sensuality, self-love, body love, and pampering. We’re challenging what we previously valued during this cycle. There can be abrupt changes with money, valuables, possessions, and income that lead to a reshuffling of priorities or values. Income might come from non-traditional sources or ventures. We’re bringing progressive ideas to the world of business. New ways of doing business, as well as making, viewing, and handling money are likely. Income and the energy we put into making money can be variable.

Romance & Relationships

Venus is in Gemini from April 3-August 7. In Gemini, Venus is communicative, sociable but emotionally aloof, insatiably curious, and a little bit flighty. Fickleness with our affections is a strong possibility, but the desire for a meeting of minds is strong and the urge to socialize dominates. Some detachment from our emotions is likely, which may be a breath of fresh air for some. The lines of communication open, although we may only scratch the surface of things. Under this influence, love is playful and lighthearted. Fickleness is the shadow side of Venus in Gemini.

This week: Venus doesn’t form any major aspects with the major bodies this week. However, a Venus-Neptune square is always in orb or pending (while Venus left that aspect on the 3rd, Venus turns retrograde and heads back toward it again, exact on the 20th). Venus turns retrograde on the 13th, and things are changing. Venus-ruled endeavors, such as money, beauty, art, romance, and pleasure, become a little heavier, more prone to reassessment, review, and perhaps delay or a period of limbo. This Venus retrograde cycle lasts until June 25th, and is a period in which we reevaluate or review our love life as well as the manner in which we receive, reveal, and express our affections. Thoughts turn to the past so that we can lay to rest unhealthy habits in these areas of life.

With Venus retrograde in Gemini, we may question how much daily involvement and both the quality and quantity of our communications in our relationships. Read more about Venus retrograde in Gemini from May 13-June 25, 2020.

Venus, the Goddess of Love: Highlights in the Coming Week:

Venus in Gemini Saying (or writing) it with style comes naturally now. A yen for variety is a hallmark of this phase, and this especially applies to romantic experience and artistic tastes. (The latter tends to focus on literature in general and poetry in particular.) A sociable, congenial, slightly frivolous orientation sets in.

Venus square Neptune May 3 and then May 20. Relationship ups and downs characterize this transit–a time when romantic mirages are more than likely. We see what we hope to see, rather than what really is. The “highs” of a relationship begun under this energy may be thrilling, but the accompanying “lows” are bound to set in, and they can be extremely draining. Be careful not to set yourself up for disappointment.

Venus conjunct Mercury May 21-22. Favors playfulness in love and enhanced communication between partners.

The Void-of-Course Moon this Week:

Void-of-course Moon on Sunday, May 10th, from 2:12 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Mars), until the Moon enters Capricorn at 5:39 AM EDT.

VOC Moon on Tuesday, May 12th, from 6:31 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a conjunction to Jupiter), until the Moon enters Aquarius at 11:39 AM EDT.

VOC Moon on Thursday, May 14th, from 10:04 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to the Sun), until the Moon enters Pisces at 9:25 PM EDT.

May 2020:

Timing with the Moon – Better Periods this Week for Electing New Initiatives

The Moon is waning this week, which is generally considered unfavorable for new beginnings, although with exceptions. (See Best Time to Start a Business for more details).

According to principles of timing with the Moon, a window of opportunity begins on Sunday, May 10th, at approximately 5:45 AM EDT, and lasts until Tuesday morning, the 12th, at about 6:25 AM EDT, while the Moon is in Capricorn. This window is better after the impulsive Mercury-Mars square on the 11th — from 4:35 AM forward — and better yet after Mercury changes sign on the 11th (from about 7:00 PM forward). Still, it occurs around the time of several planetary stations, so is not ideal in a general sense. Another window occurs from Saturday, May 16th, at approximately 5:40 PM EDT, until Sunday, May 17th, at approximately 3:55 AM EDT, while the Moon is in Pisces. Note that Venus is retrograde from the 13th forward.

See also the following articles and tables: Timing with the Moon and Opportunity Periods with the Void Moon for times and techniques.

Planetary Stations & Sign Ingresses:

Mar 21,
2020    11:58 PM  Saturn enters Aquarius
Mar 30, 2020     3:43 PM  Mars enters Aquarius
Apr  3, 2020     1:10 PM   Venus enters Gemini
Apr 11, 2020    12:48 AM  Mercury enters Aries
Apr 19, 2020    10:45 AM   Sun enters Taurus
Apr 23, 2020     4:16 PM   Ceres enters Pisces
Apr 27, 2020     3:53 PM   Mercury enters Taurus
Apr 29, 2020     8:21 PM   Pallas enters Aquarius
May  5, 2020     1:48 AM   True Node Rx enters Gemini
May 11, 2020     5:58 PM  Mercury enters Gemini
May 13, 2020    12:17 AM  Mars enters Pisces
May 20, 2020     9:49 AM  Sun enters Gemini
May 28, 2020     2:09 PM  Mercury enters Cancer
Jun  2, 2020     9:04 PM  Pallas Rx enters Capricorn
Jun  3, 2020     2:52 PM  Vesta enters Cancer
Jun 20, 2020     5:44 PM  Sun enters Cancer
Jun 27, 2020     9:45 PM  Mars enters Aries
Jul  1, 2020     7:37 PM  Saturn Rx enters Capricorn
Jul 22, 2020     4:37 AM  Sun enters Leo

 

See also: Astrology of Today – an overview of the day (this takes you to my other site, Astrology Cafe).
See also: The Astrology of 2020 – Overview.

Note: Times given are Eastern Time (ET).

 

This Week’s Calendar

 

This Week’s Aspects

Mercury trine Jupiter. Looking for meaning in mundane affairs, positive thinking, insights, cooperation–these are themes of this influence. Our ideas are big and our intentions noble. We might receive good news or offers now. We prefer to think about the big picture rather than becoming bogged down with details. This transit favors short trips, writing, teaching, studying, submitting applications and forms, accurate diagnoses and observations (all things equal).

Sun sextile Neptune. We’re at the right place at the right time, probably because our hunches are more likely to be correct and we are “tuned in”. We are inspired, and charitable acts now will serve to lift our spirits like no drug can. A good time for self-improvement programs or efforts. Instinctual judgment is enhanced under this influence. We are able to see matters, and people, from a different perspective–one that allows for, and even finds beauty in, differences.

Mercury square Mars. Impatience, hastiness, and disagreements characterize this transit. This is an unfavorable time for any kind of meeting, starting a new project, and business proposals. We can be irritable and say all the wrong things. We may be competing for the floor when it comes to expressing our ideas, thoughts, and opinions, making it difficult to engage in healthy dialogue. Mental agitation could dominate. We may stir up controversy with what we say, or how we say it.

Mercury trine Saturn. Clear, realistic thinking characterizes this influence. A good time to get organized, to do detail work, and to prepare for the future. Decisions made now tend to be practical and well thought out. Work done now is likely to beget tangible results in the future. Conversations may be spare but to the point. Manifestation and achievement are what satisfy.

Sun semi-square Chiron. The desire to learn and grow through experiences and through others is strong, but may be hampered by a lack of confidence or a fear of being different.

Sun square Pluto. Insubordination and abuse of power. Impatience with rules. Compulsiveness. The urge to get to the bottom of matters is with us, but we are too insistent. Avoid beating a dead horse and attempting to force matters that should naturally take time to unfold. Circumstances now can push us to discover our own power–power that comes from a strong sense of self rather than superficial energy derived from manipulating people into doing what we want them to do. Events may occur now that highlight the need to trust.

Mercury semi-square Chiron. Communications may be careless, hurtful or perceived as hurtful under this influence. It can be hard to read the intention behind the words used to communicate now. There may be impatience with rules, worry or guilty feelings, and conflicting viewpoints now.

Mercury sesquiquadrate Pluto. “Suspicious minds” characterize this transit, although if we harness the energy, we can develop strategies to get to the bottom of any matter. Mistrust, investigations. Some level of mental stress and pressure–we can feel troubled.

Note: Times given in the table/calendar above are Eastern Time (ET).

Daily Trends Calendar

See below for day-by-day forecasts and planets in signs. See also Transit to Transit aspects.

See also: Astrology of Today – an overview of the day – Astrology Cafe – or the Transits for Here and Now chart wheel.

See also: The Astrology of 2020 – Overview.

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What’s In Store By the Stars – Daily Astrology Trends

(as featured on the site’s main page and in our Daily Trends Calendar)

See also the new Astrology Trends Calendar that includes these daily trends overviews and other astrological events such as ingresses, stations, and lunations.

MAY 10

Mercury forms a trine to Jupiter this morning, boosting our confidence and faith. Through conversations, a positive outlook or hopefulness can emerge. We are seeking out a little extra meaning to our projects and experiences, and we can benefit from big-picture thinking. Our ideas are big, and our intentions noble. We might receive good news or offers now. Curiosity is stimulated. Midday, the Sun and Neptune form a sextile, and this is another indication that we’re seeking inspiration. We have better access to our imagination and intuition. What feels like serendipity experienced now may have to do with a good sense of timing and a feeling of being in sync with the universe. We are generous and charitable with our time and energy. We can see people and situations from a perspective that embraces and finds beauty in our differences. Philanthropic acts can be rewarding. This is also a good time for self-improvement programs or efforts. However, our judgment is challenged as the day advances. Saturn is about to station as it turns retrograde, and we head toward a Mercury-Mars square. This aspect is challenging on its own, but because both Mercury and Mars are soon changing signs, there is a sense of urgency that can trip us up. We can find ourselves too quickly in disagreement with others, most likely because we’re communicating ineffectively or impatiently. We may be competing for the floor when it comes to expressing our ideas, thoughts, and opinions, making it difficult to engage in healthy dialogue. We should watch for skipping too many steps.

The void Moon occurs from 2:12 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a sextile to Mars), until the Moon enters Capricorn at 5:39 AM EDT.

MAY 11

Saturn stations and turns retrograde today, and will remain retrograde until September 29th. This station can temporarily magnify all things “Saturn,” bringing somewhat heavy energy to the day (and to this surrounding week). We’re a little more likely to make errors until we adjust to the shift, particularly with Venus and Jupiter nearing their retrograde stations as well (on the 13th and 14th, respectively). While Saturn is retrograde, we tend to review and question our responsibilities and commitments as opposed to dealing with them in the moment. There can be more than usual experiences of guilt and self-doubt as we internalize fears but also an excellent chance to reassess our commitments. The Moon spends the day in Saturn’s sign, Capricorn, and we’re quite focused on our responsibilities and performance. Still, Mercury perfects its square to Mars early today, and tensions surrounding communications and commuting rise. Impulsive moves and words are possible now. With both bodies near the end of their transits of Taurus and Aquarius, we can feel an urgent need to deal with a matter, but we should watch for hasty decisions. Mercury changes signs later today, moving into Gemini for a stay until May 28th. Mercury rules Gemini and is exceptionally comfortable in the sign. Our curiosity is piqued, and we can be quite spirited when it comes to reaching out to others, learning, and sharing during this cycle. Venus will turn retrograde in the same sign in just two days, however, and the intellectual side of our interactions are in stronger focus.

MAY 12

Mercury has just entered the sign of Gemini, and today, forms a trine to Saturn. While these are not ideal days for decision-making due to multiple shifts, this transit helps us to see the practical side of things. It supports work with details, realistic thinking, and step-by-step approaches to learning and communicating. This transit helps ground and center our thinking. Conversations may be spare but to the point or instructive. This is a good time for helping others understand our perspective and a step-by-step approach to tasks and problems. We are cautious with our expectations, or at least we remind ourselves to be so. The Moon continues its transit of Capricorn until 11:39 AM EDT, after which it transits Aquarius. With an Aquarius Moon, we seek intellectual stimulation and unusual or unconventional experiences.

The void Moon occurs from 6:31 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a conjunction to Jupiter), until the Moon enters Aquarius at 11:39 AM EDT.

MAY 13

Mars enters Pisces today and will transit the sign until June 27th. We are less motivated to pursue traditional goals and more driven by spiritual or emotional goals during this cycle. Our energy and output tend to vary, going up and down, depending on levels of inspiration. Going after what we want doesn’t always seem straightforward while Mars is in Pisces. We tend to avoid confrontation, and we take an intuitive approach to the pursuit of our desires. We may put others’ needs ahead of our own, and our more idealistic side comes to the fore. Also today, Venus turns retrograde, and with many shifts occurring around now, it’s better to take our time with important decisions. Venus will remain retrograde until June 25th, staying in the sign of Gemini for the duration. This Venus retrograde cycle can bring us back to unresolved matters, mainly to do with relationships, finances, wants and needs, and values. We may wish to avoid significant new beginnings or decisions related to Venus-ruled endeavors, such as finances, partnership, romance, and pleasurable pursuits. However, it’s an excellent time to assess these matters. This is a cycle in which we review, re-evaluate, and re-assess our love life, personal finances, and the manner in which we receive, reveal, and express our affections. Thoughts turn to the past so that we can lay to rest unhealthy habits in these areas of life. The Moon spends the day in the sign of Aquarius, forming few aspects. We’re fair-minded, inventive, and fixed or stubborn with this Moon transit.

MAY 14

The Last Quarter Moon occurs this morning with the Aquarius Moon’s square to the Sun, signaling a time to review and sort rather than push something new. Until the New Moon on the 22nd, it’s a better time to tie up loose ends, take inventory, and let go if necessary. We’re sorting out what does and doesn’t work for us. Jupiter stations and turns retrograde today and will remain retrograde until September 12th. During this cycle, we tend to re-think our goals and plans in the areas of life affected by Jupiter’s transit. It’s a time of questioning what we thought we already knew and developing a new perspective on events and beliefs. Recognizing areas of excess or extravagance can help us. We may need to slow down specific endeavors if they’ve been moving too quickly, or this happens organically. Some enthusiasm may wane as certain realities of time and energy set in. With Jupiter stationary today, we are inclined toward a fair amount of longing and idealism. The Moon continues to transit Aquarius until 9:25 PM EDT when it enters Pisces. We’re approaching a Sun-Pluto trine, exact early tomorrow but in influence today. While we should avoid big decision-making right now, this transit finds us exceptionally resourceful and efficient. It’s a strong time for gravitating towards things, people, and situations that help us to succeed or advance our goals. We might enjoy an opportunity to draw upon our past and to capitalize on our talents and resources. Strategy is successful, and leadership skills are active. Shared goals and interests connect us with others. The focus now is on eliminating negative or superficial elements in our lives and going forward with more conviction as a result.

The void Moon occurs from 10:04 AM EDT, with the Moon’s last aspect before changing signs (a square to the Sun), until the Moon enters Pisces at 9:25 PM EDT.

MAY 15

The Sun and Pluto perfect their trine very early today, and delving deeply into a matter can be satisfying and rewarding. The Moon spends the day in the sign of Pisces, however, and as the day progresses, energies diffuse, feeling far less contained and concentrated. While the Moon-Mercury square midday can point to minor misunderstandings or communication detours, a Mercury-Chiron sextile is strong for opening up healthy dialogues. We are approaching problems holistically, and problem-solving skills are high. This transit brings subtle but enhancing energy for communications.

MAY 16

A Mercury-Pluto aspect today suggests a rather suspicious way of looking at the way things work. If others are not agreeing or adopting our ideas, we may take this as a personal affront. Instead of getting where we want to go directly, we could take a roundabout route, and we could be tempted to manipulate. This is a day for making plans and devising strategies, but we must first pull ourselves out of a spiraling, suspicious frame of mind. Later today, a Sun-Jupiter trine, exact tomorrow, comes into influence, and this transit encourages a desire to grow, expand, improve, and impress. The Moon spends the day in Pisces, prompting the need for inspiration and imagination.

 

 

If it’s your birthday today, see our feature, If Today is Your Birthday Forecasts, for a free forecast for the upcoming year.

Moon Signs This Week:

When the Moon is in Sagittarius

 The Moon is at her most optimistic and upbeat in Sagittarius. We are motivated by a need to seek the truth, and we are ready to pursue a new vision. We are not interested in details just now. Instead, we focus on the big picture. New experiences and adventures satisfy a deep emotional need. Spontaneity is the key. We may also be inclined toward overdoing and overstating. We don't want to plan ahead, and prefer to "wing it".

The Moon in Sagittarius generally favors the following activities: Adventurous activities that involve "winging it", travel, higher education, starting publishing projects, advertising, sports, physical activity.

When the Moon is in Capricorn

We become aware of the need for structure and planning ahead. We also instinctively are aware of the limitations of time. We are motivated by a desire for success. Achievement and manifestation are most important to us now. We are resourceful and don't want to waste time, energy, or resources. This can be a very sober influence--even a depressing one. However, it can also be a productive time when we look reality in the eye.

The Moon in Capricorn generally favors the following activities: Long-term activities that yield slow but steady results, practical undertakings, career issues, making a business plan, practical investments.

When the Moon is in Aquarius

Attraction to all that is new and unusual, and an instinctive need for improvement, characterize the Moon in Aquarius. Reactions are more intellectual than emotional, and interactions are more impersonal than personal, under this influence. This is a time that promotes social gatherings, dealing with group ideals and goals for the future, brainstorming, new ideas, and progressive changes. We are open to new methods of doing things and we have our eye on the future. It can be hard to stick to schedules now, as personal freedom is most important to us.

The Moon in Aquarius generally favors the following activities: Unusual or radical undertakings, social pursuits, group projects, trying something new, joining a group.

When the Moon is in Pisces

 We may not want to face reality while the Moon is in dreamy, impressionable Pisces. It can be a wistful, sensitive, intuitive, and compassionate time. We are especially imaginative, and our intuition reigns under this influence. Boundaries and walls come down, as Pisces energy merges and blends. It's a time when details are overlooked and feelings defy description.

The Moon in Pisces generally favors the following activities: Imaginative undertakings, mystical or spiritual pursuits, inner development, music and drama, going on a retreat, activities involving water.

 

Upcoming Weeks: Calendars

 

 

What’s In Your Forecast?

Take a peek at the year ahead with in-depth Future Forecast Reports from Cafe Astrology.

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BACK TO THIS WEEK IN ASTROLOGY MAIN/CURRENT

See also:

The Astrology of 2020 – Overview

Monthly Calendar

This Month in Astrology

This Month’s Ephemeris

This Month’s Transits